Bill · S. 1909· Senate(119-S-1909)
Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act
- Introduced
- 5/22/2025
- Last activity
- 5/22/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- Sponsored by
- Jeanne Shaheen
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act aims to increase trade and investment between the United States and the Western Balkans region. It focuses on promoting democratic and economic development while fighting corruption and disinformation. The bill includes provisions for regional economic integration, energy diversification, and cybersecurity resilience. It also encourages educational exchanges, the Peace Corps, and leadership initiatives for young professionals. Additionally, the Act codifies existing sanctions and establishes reporting requirements regarding Russian and Chinese influence in the region.
Yes· 3 of 18
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+8
The bill prioritizes strengthening cyber resilience and securing ICT infrastructure.
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?+8
The bill features specific initiatives for young leaders and professional development for youth.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+7
The bill strengthens partnerships with allies in the Western Balkans and supports EU/NATO integration.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Economic Growth and Employment: The bill seeks to enable investment and employment opportunities, especially for youth, by implementing economic and governance reforms (Section 2, Finding 7).
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Anti-Corruption Efforts: The Secretary of State is tasked with developing an initiative to expand technical assistance and strengthen national anti-sych strategies to combat political corruption in areas like the judiciary and public procurement (Section 6, subsection a).
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Energy Security: The Act encourages trade that helps countries decrease dependence on Russian energy and facilitates a transition to cleaner, more reliable energy sources (Section 3, sense of Congress, paragraph 5).
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Educational and Professional Opportunities: The bill promotes partnerships between United States and Western Balkans universities to exchange ideas and research (Section 7, subsection a). It also establishes the Young Balkan Leaders Initiative to provide professional development and networking for young adults (Section 9, subsection c).
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Cybersecurity Protection: By supporting cyber resilience and secure ICT infrastructure, the bill aims to protect government functions and public services from cyberattacks (Section 2, Finding 12; Section 10, sense of Congress, paragraph 1).
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Support for Small Businesses: The regional trade and development initiative aims to increase the capacity of businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (Section 6, subsection c, paragraph 2, subparagraph A).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Continued Sanctions: The bill codifies existing sanctions relating to the Western Balkans, which block the property of certain designated persons (Section 5, subsection a).
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Economic Risks from Influence: The bill notes that the growing influence of China could have a "deleterious impact" on strategic competition, democracy, and economic integration with Europe (Section 2, Finding 18).
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Vulnerability to Political Conflict: The text notes that corruption among key political leaders and disinformation campaigns continue to plague the region, threatening the credibility of democratic institutions (Section 2, Findings 10 and 11).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+8Improves International Alliances+7Improves International Trade+7Improves Diplomatic Engagement+6Increases Foreign Aid+6
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Young Adults+8Good For Business Owners+6Good For Students+6Good For Women+5
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+7Improves Economic Growth+6Increases Job Creation+5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Increases Renewable Energy Investment+6Improves Roads And Bridges+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+6Improves Electoral Process+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Gender Equality+5Improves Poverty Reduction+5
- 5/22/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Roger WickerRepublican · Mississippi